A friend has a pair of JBLs, model Radiance 55 VX (she thinks). Does anyone know this model? The serial number is 165757.

The drivers need re-foaming. There could be other parts that need replacing. Anyone know where I could look for information, re-foam kits, or companies that could do this?

None of the catalogues on this site mention this model.

She lives in Luxembourg.

Many thanks in advance,
Richard Barnes

Mr. Widget

06-05-2003, 09:47 AM

The Radiance series was developed by JBL to offer speakers at an affordable price point. The drivers used in them are rather generic. There probably isn't much information available since they have never been looked on very favorably by JBL fans.

I would recommend taking them to a speaker reconer and have them rebuilt. Any reputable reconer will have the tools and knowledge to repair these speakers. The reconer does not need to be a JBL specialist. You may need to take them to Paris or to the nearest large city in Germany.

Unfortunately since these speakers have a fairly low value it may make more sense to replace them unless there is a particular reason that it is desirable to keep them, sentimental value, they are just the right size for their location etc.

4313B

06-05-2003, 09:51 AM

Could it be a Radiance 502VX?

4313B

06-05-2003, 09:55 AM

Mr. Widget makes a good point. With loudspeakers like L19's, 4301's, 4406's and 4408's on eBay for reasonable prices one might want to think twice about getting Radiance Series repaired.

rbarnes

06-06-2003, 03:50 AM

Many thanks for these details.

Mr Widget : 'generic drivers' - does this mean that they could be replaced with new or NOS drivers? Or is re-coning more cost-effective? I ask because she is on a very tight budget.

Giskard : I hope to find time this afternoon to go round and check which model. I'll also check the designations on the drivers, and post the details to this thread.

Thanks again,
Best regards,
Richard Barnes

Mr. Widget

06-06-2003, 08:39 AM

By generic drivers I mean that the individual components are not much different in design or quality from many other manufacturer's budget drivers. I am not familiar with specifics of any of the Radiance series, however I am sure that an informed speaker repair shop could examine these and select fairly inexpensive components from another manufacturer and achieve reasonably good results. That said, there are bargains on eBay that would yield better speakers at a lower cost. I do not know what the labor costs are in your area, but generic recone parts are available that are very inexpensive, but I would assume that once again the labor to repair these would be higher than their worth.

4313B

06-09-2003, 02:37 PM

Ok, I've finally found the 55 VX. It was an export.

The LF is a 308G and takes the C4R308G-1 kit. MSRP on the kit only is $88.

The HF is a 303G and takes the C4R303G-2 kit. MSRP on the kit only is $74.